Neuer doubtful for Freiburg clash as Gnabry and Goretzka contract talks looms

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer missed Thursday’s training session due to a stomach bug, casting doubt on his availability for Saturday’s Bundesliga home match against SC Freiburg.

According to latest reports, the 39-year-old goalkeeper sat out the session entirely. Should he also miss Friday’s final workout, 21-year-old Jonas Urbig is expected to make his Bundesliga debut between the posts for the German champions.

Elsewhere on the training pitch, Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry continued individual programmes, while Jamal Musiala worked separately on his rehabilitation. 

The remainder of the squad trained as a group, with Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies both taking part as they near full returns from long-term injuries.

Off the field, Bayern face important contract decisions in the coming months. Several key players, including German internationals Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka, will see their current deals expire at the end of the season.

Other sources confirmed the club plans to open formal talks with both players in January. Gnabry’s prospects of securing an extension look considerably brighter. 

The 29-year-old winger has rediscovered his best form this campaign and remains an important figure for club and country.

Goretzka’s situation is less clear-cut. The 30-year-old central midfielder has often found himself in and out of Vincent Kompany’s starting eleven, facing stiff competition from the ever-present Joshua Kimmich as well as emerging talents Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic. 

While no final decision has been taken on Goretzka’s future, sources suggest the club are weighing whether to offer him fresh terms or allow him to depart when his contract runs out in June.

With the January window approaching, Bayern’s hierarchy will need to balance squad planning and financial considerations as they decide which of their expiring contracts to renew and which relationships to bring to an end.